Ophthalmology · Cartagena, Colombia

See life differently.

World-class cataract surgery, RLE and LASEK performed by expert ophthalmologists in Cartagena, Colombia. Fully coordinated from your first consultation to your last follow-up.

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Why This Matters

This is how cataracts see the world.

Blurry. Clouded. Dimmed. Over 24 million Americans over 40 live with cataracts, many without knowing a solution exists.

The Difference

This is how cataracts see the world. This is what we give back.

Sharp. Vivid. Clear. In under 30 minutes, your vision restored by expert surgeons in Cartagena.

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30+
Years Combined
Ophthalmology Expertise
3
Specialized
Procedures
2h45
Direct Flight
From Miami
100%
End-to-End
Coordination

Why Colombia

World-class medicine. A fraction of the cost.


Colombia has one of the most respected ophthalmology training programs in Latin America. Our surgeons are trained to the same international standards as their US counterparts, at dramatically lower operating costs.

The same quality. The same precision. The same outcomes. At 50-60% less than US clinic prices, with a luxury Caribbean experience included.

Our Surgical Team

You don't trust your vision to just anyone.

Three dedicated ophthalmology specialists. Over 30 years of combined expertise. Trained, credentialed, and committed to your outcome.

Dr. Alfredo Ramirez Anaya
Refractive & Cataract Specialist.
Ophthalmologist specializing in LASEK refractive surgery and cataract procedures. Expert in premium intraocular lens selection and implantation. Partner and co-founder of Cartagena Eye Institute.


Dr. Patricia Osorio Bustillo
Cataract & Lens Specialist.
Ophthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange. Strategic partner of Cartagena Eye Institute, bringing deep expertise in complex lens cases and premium IOL outcomes.


Dr. Nestor Ramirez Arrieta
Ophthalmologic Anesthesiology.
Over 30 years of anesthesiology experience across ER, plastic surgery, and transplant procedures. For the past 15 years dedicated exclusively to ophthalmologic anesthesia, ensuring your complete comfort and safety.


Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

Where world-class eye surgery meets the Caribbean.

Direct flights from Miami in 2h45. From New York in 5 hours. Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is home to Cartagena Eye Institute, where ophthalmology expertise meets one of the most beautiful destinations in the Americas.

Our patients don't just leave seeing better. They leave having experienced something extraordinary.

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How It Works

From Miami to clarity, every step handled.

We coordinate every detail of your medical journey. You focus on your outcome. We handle everything else.

01

Free Evaluation Call

A 15-minute call to understand your needs, timeline, and questions. No commitment required.

02

Medical Consultation

Video consultation with Dr. Ramírez or Dr. Osorio to assess your candidacy and recommend the right procedure.

03

Travel Coordination

We coordinate your flights, hotel, ground transfers, and concierge services in Cartagena.

04

Surgery & Recovery

Your procedure at our fully equipped clinic. Post-operative care coordinated on the ground.

05

Post-Op Follow Up

Continued remote support after you return home. We stay with you through full recovery.

Our Procedures

Expert care for every vision need.


Three specialized procedures performed by internationally trained ophthalmologists.


01 — Cataract Surgery
The world's most performed surgical procedure. Clouded lens removed and replaced with a premium intraocular lens. Restore clarity and color vibrancy in under 30 minutes.

02 — Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
Permanent freedom from glasses and contact lenses. Your natural lens replaced with a premium multifocal lens. The definitive solution for presbyopia and high refractive errors.

03 — LASEK
Laser vision correction for patients seeking freedom from glasses. Precise, proven, and permanent correction of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

Choose Your Experience

Three ways to experience Cartagena Eye Institute.

Medical Only

CORE

Medical Coordination

Consultation, pre-operative tests, surgery, and post-operative care. Medical coordination only. Ideal for patients arranging their own travel and accommodation.

Full Concierge

SIGNATURE

The Luxury Experience

The full luxury experience. Premium hotel, private transfers, curated dining, cultural experiences in Cartagena's old city, and a dedicated concierge from arrival to departure.

  
  
  
    
Your First Step
    

Start with clarity. Continue with confidence.

    

A free 15-minute call with our coordination team. We'll evaluate your vision needs, answer every question, and determine whether you're a candidate for cataract surgery, RLE, or LASEK — with zero commitment required.

    
During this call we cover
                                                                         
  Your eligibility based on your current vision  The most appropriate procedure for your needs
  Expected outcomes and recovery timelines  A full overview of your Cartagena experience
    

This is the first step in a fully coordinated, medically led experience designed to deliver both clinical excellence and peace of mind.

    Schedule Your Free Evaluation Call     

Prefer email? Reach us here and we'll respond with available times.

  

Frequently Asked Questions

 


Q: Is it safe to have eye surgery in Colombia?
A: Yes. Colombia has one of the most respected ophthalmology training programs in Latin America. Our surgeons are trained to international standards and operate in a fully equipped, certified ophthalmologic clinic in Cartagena.

 

Q: How long do I need to stay in Cartagena?
A: Most procedures require 5-7 days total, including pre-operative testing, surgery, and initial post-operative follow-up before you fly home.

 

Q: Are direct flights available from Miami and New York?
A: Yes. Cartagena's Rafael Núñez International Airport receives direct flights from Miami (2h45) and has connections from New York (approximately 5 hours total travel time).

 

Q: What is included in the coordination fee?
A: Depending on your package — Core, Recovery, or Signature — coordination includes medical scheduling, hotel, transfers, concierge support, and post-operative follow-up. Your free evaluation call will clarify exactly what is included.

 

Q: How much does cataract surgery cost compared to the US?
A: US cataract surgery averages $6,500 per eye. At Cartagena Eye Institute packages start from $4,950 per eye — including pre-op consultation, surgery, premium IOL, and post-op care.

 

Q: How do I get started?
A: Book your free 15-minute evaluation call using the link on this page. No commitment, no pressure, just clarity on whether this is right for you.